4.17.2012

Cocoa Mint Lip Balm

{Edited to add: After this lip balm settled, the cocoa butter formed small, tapioca sized balls in the balm. I learned this is related to the high fat content of the cocoa butter binding with itself... or something like that! ;) These small balls will melt on your lips... but you may or may not like the consistency. Just a warning.}

When my niece visited from Chicago in March, we were determined to find a DIY lip balm recipe we loved. We made small batch after small batch, pouring each one onto parchment paper. There were rounds of testing. We tried out a myriad of different ingredient combinations. And I'll bet my niece breathed a sigh of relief when we finally settled on a favorite.

Disclaimer: Some people like to have designated pots and utensils when working with beeswax. Personally, I don't find clean up to be a problem, though I do always stick with glass jars and metal utensils.

You could also do this in the microwave following the instructions above.

In a double boiler, combine coconut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax. I don't have a double broiler, so I combine mine in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Then I place it into a pan of gently simmering water. Let melt. When the ingredients are fully melted, take off the stove and stir. Then add 25 drops of peppermint essential oil. Place your twelve tins on parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tins. Cover with lids and let cool completely.